Tag: Black Panther Party

In Defense of a Revolutionary

In Defense of a Revolutionary

by Ranada ♥ 2 Comments

If you didn’t know already (I’m sure you do, right?), Afeni Shakur is much much more than Tupac’s mom or the recovering crack fiend in his song Dear Mama. She was a leader of the New York City Black Panther Party and part of the famous New York Panther 21, a group accused of a conspiracy to wreak havoc on NYC. Pregnant with Tupac, a young Afeni ended up having to defend herself  against over 150 charges–and she was acquitted. If this piques your interest, I have two ways for you to gain more details. The first is pick up her biography, Afeni Shakur: Evolution of a Revolutionary by her friend Jasmine Guy. The book was a super quick read and very conversational. I enjoyed every second and gained so much insight about the atmosphere during that time.

The second is a play entitled Afeni Shakur: In Her Defense and exhibit that premieres tonight at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation in Stone Mountain. Inspired by one of the most expensive political trials ever in the State of New York, this play is opening 40 years exactly from the day Ms. Shakur’s acquittal. The accompanying exhibit includes court records and TV new coverage. This is sure to be well worth the trip out to Stone Mountain ( 🙂 @ my outside of perimeter friends). It runs until May 22, so put this on your calendar as soon as possible!

And don’t worry–I’ll be back to share my thoughts as soon as I see it! I’m so excited!

My Kinda Weekend

My Kinda Weekend

by Ranada ♥ 1 Comment

This is what weekends are made of.  I’ve been on a cultural excursion all weekend!  I’ll be back later to talk about them all, but here’s a taste.

It’s National Black Arts Festival week, and I took part of some awesome offerings.  Friday, I attended the screening of Soundtrack of a Revolution, which is a documentary that highlights how music played such an important role in the Civil Rights Movement.  Here’s a trailer.

After that, I rushed over to the Symphony Hall to see the To Curtis with Love tribute concert for Curtis Mayfield.  My favorite Curtis Mayfield song, “Makings of You” was performed by Dionne Farris.  My favorite undergroundish artists, Joi and Van Hunt, were there, along with Frank McComb, the Impressions, and Eddie Levert.  It was a great time.

Yesterday, I went to see The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, which I really enjoyed. Then I went back to the Rialto to view 41st and Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers.  Man, it was really a wonderful, captivating documentary.  I have always admired certain aspects of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, and I’ve looked up to some of its leaders, but I never even knew about Bunchy Carter, who was a really impressive man.  The documentary took us from the beginnings of the Southern Cali chapter of the Black Panthers to the disbanding of it. Here’s the trailer.

After the documentary, I was able to listen to a panel discussion featuring Chuck D, Kathleen Cleaver, Wayne Pharr, the producers of the documentary, and a couple of US organization representatives.  My favorite quotes of the night were from Chuck D:

“If you don’t identify your enemy, how the hell are you gonna fight?”

“Racism comes out every year like a new model car. We have to recognize it and know how to respond.”

So much more to read, research, and consider.  I’m so happy I was able to participate in this event.  My favorite quote in the documentary was

“If you want to be a revolutionary, you have to study revolution.”

Today (and on Thursday as well), I am volunteering for I Dream, a musical production about the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As the weekend comes to a close, I appreciate all the mind-expanding, thought-provoking activities I have access to.  Didn’t I just say the other day how awesome my life is?  Happy Sunday, people.